Asian Markets Mixed Amid US Economic Uncertainty; Australian S P/ASX 200 Rises, Japan's Nikkei 225 Gains, Mitsubishi Motors Surges on Foxconn EV Partnership

Asian stock markets presented a mixed performance on Friday, influenced by overnight negative cues from Wall Street and persistent US economic uncertainties. Despite this, the Australian S&P/ASX 200 index rose by 0.38 percent to 7,949.20, driven by gains in energy and financial stocks. Japan's Nikkei 225 also saw gains, closing the morning session up 0.37 percent at 37,890.42, reversing losses from previous sessions. Japan's core inflation slowed to 3 percent in February, exceeding forecasts. In corporate news, Mitsubishi Motors shares surged 4.5 percent following reports of an upcoming collaboration with Foxconn on electric vehicles. Elsewhere in Asia, markets showed varied performance, with China, Hong Kong, and Singapore experiencing declines, while New Zealand, South Korea, and Malaysia saw gains. The mixed sentiment reflects ongoing concerns about tariffs, global economic health, and fluctuating investor optimism.